Definition

Intellectual disability begins in childhood. People with intellectual disability have limits in their mental functioning seen in below-average intelligence (IQ) tests and in their ability to communicate, socialize, and take care of their everyday needs. The degree of disability can vary from person to person. It can be categorized as mild, moderate, severe, or profound.

Causes

Several hundred causes of intellectual disability have been discovered, but many are still unknown. The most common ones are:

Head Injury in Child

Risk Factors

A child could be at higher risk for intellectual disability due to any of the causes listed above, or due to intellectual disability in other family members. If you are concerned that your child is at risk, tell your child's doctor.

Symptoms

Symptoms appear before a child reaches age 18. Symptoms vary depending on the degree of the intellectual disability. If you think your child has any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to intellectual disability. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions.

Symptoms include:

Learning and developing more slowly than other children of the same age

Difficulty communicating or socializing with others

Lower than average scores on IQ tests

Trouble learning in school

Inability to do everyday things like getting dressed or using the bathroom without help

Difficulty hearing, seeing, walking, or talking

Inability to think logically

The following categories are often used to describe the level of intellectual disability:

Mild

IQ 50-70

Slower than normal in all areas

No unusual physical signs

Can learn practical skills

Reading and math skills up to grades 3-6

Can conform socially

Can learn daily task skills

Functions in society

Moderate

IQ 35-49

Noticeable delays, particularly speech

May have unusual physical signs

Can learn simple communication

Can learn elementary health and safety skills

Can participate in simple activities and self-care

Can perform supervised tasks

Can travel alone to familiar places

Severe

IQ 20-34

Significant delays in some areas; may walk late

Little or no communication skills, but some understanding of speech with some response

Can be taught daily routines and repetitive activities

May be trained in simple self-care

Needs direction and supervision socially

Profound

IQ <20

Significant delays in all areas

Congenital abnormalities present

Needs close supervision

Requires attendant care

May respond to regular physical and social activity

Not capable of self-care

Diagnosis

If you suspect your child is not developing skills on time, tell the doctor as soon as possible. You will be asked about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Standardized tests may be given that measure:

Intelligence—IQ tests measure a person’s ability to do things such as think abstractly, learn, and solve problems. A child may have intellectual disability if IQ test results are 70 or below.

Aspirin is not recommended for children or teens with a current or
recent viral infection. This is because of the risk of
Reye's
syndrome
, which can cause neurological problems. Ask your doctor which medications are safe for your child.

Facts about intellectual disability. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dd/ddmr.htm. Accessed November 18, 2014.

Questions and answers about persons with intellectual disabilities in the workplace. US Equal Employment Opportunities Commission website. Available at:
http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/intellectual_disabilities.cfm. Accessed November 18, 2014.

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